U.S. patent application number 11/494701 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-31 for method for manufacturing a hose.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLC. Invention is credited to John Mobley.
Application Number | 20080023093 11/494701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38982150 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080023093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mobley; John |
January 31, 2008 |
Method for manufacturing a hose
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a cured, non-reinforced hose
exhibiting one or more desirable configuration features molded onto
the outer surface of the hose; and a cured, non-reinforced hose
exhibiting such desirable configuration features molded on the
outer surface thereof, manufactured in accordance with such method
are described. The method comprises: providing a raw,
non-reinforced polymeric tubular structure having an outer surface,
an inner surface, an orifice, and a cylindrical channel extending
longitudinally throughout the raw tubular structure defining the
inner surface of the raw polymeric tubular structure; providing a
mold apparatus having a cavity configuration corresponding to the
shape and size of a desired cured, non-reinforced hose; inserting
the raw polymeric tubular structure into the cavity configuration
of the mold apparatus; inserting a first plug means having an
aperture therethrough into a first end of the raw polymeric tubular
structure; inserting a second plug means having an aperture
therethrough into a second end of the raw polymeric tubular
structure; providing a source of steam under elevated pressure to
cure the raw polymeric tubular structure, wherein the first plug
means having an aperture therethrough serves as an inlet for the
steam and the second plug having an aperture therethrough serves as
an outlet for the steam; and recovering a cured, non-reinforced
hose having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the
outer surface exhibits one or more desirable characteristic
features molded onto the outer surface of the cured, non-reinforced
hose.
Inventors: |
Mobley; John; (Lexington,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLC
1 PRESTIGE PLACE
MIAMISBURG
OH
45342
US
|
Assignee: |
DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLC
|
Family ID: |
38982150 |
Appl. No.: |
11/494701 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
138/109 ;
138/121; 138/137; 264/236; 264/325 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 43/021 20130101;
B29C 43/52 20130101; B29C 2043/3665 20130101; B29C 33/04 20130101;
B29C 2043/023 20130101; B29L 2023/00 20130101; B29K 2105/258
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
138/109 ;
138/121; 138/137; 264/236; 264/325 |
International
Class: |
F16L 11/00 20060101
F16L011/00; B29C 71/02 20060101 B29C071/02; B29C 43/02 20060101
B29C043/02; B29C 43/52 20060101 B29C043/52 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a cured, non-reinforced hose
exhibiting one or more desirable characteristic features molded
onto the outer surface of the hose, said method comprising:
providing a raw, non-reinforced polymeric tubular structure having
an outer surface, an inner surface, an orifice, and a cylindrical
channel extending longitudinally throughout the raw tubular
structure defining said inner surface of said raw polymeric tubular
structure; providing a mold apparatus having a cavity configuration
corresponding to the shape and size of a desired cured,
non-reinforced hose; inserting said raw polymeric tubular structure
into said cavity configuration of said mold apparatus; inserting a
first plug means having an aperture therethrough into a first end
of said raw polymeric tubular structure; inserting a second plug
means having an aperture therethrough into a second end of said raw
polymeric tubular structure; providing a source of steam under
elevated pressure to cure said raw polymeric tubular structure,
wherein said first plug means having an aperture therethrough
serves as an inlet for said steam and said second plug having an
aperture therethrough serves as an outlet for said steam; and
recovering a cured, non-reinforced hose having an inner surface and
an outer surface, wherein said outer surface exhibits one or more
desirable characteristic features molded onto the outer surface of
said hose.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said raw, non-reinforced tubular
structure is inserted into said cavity configuration of said mold
apparatus, wherein said mold apparatus is a two-piece mold
structure having a first upper half exhibiting a first cavity
configuration corresponding to an upper wall structure of said
hose, and a second lower half exhibiting a second cavity
configuration corresponding to a lower wall structure of said hose,
said first half and second half of said mold apparatus being
aligned such that the cavity configuration of said mold apparatus
conforms to a desired configuration of said hose.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said mold is heated in a press at
a temperature of about 250 to 350.degree. F. at a closed pressure
of about 10 to 30 tons.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein one or both of said first cavity
and said second cavity of said mold apparatus further includes one
or more die features for providing one or more corresponding
desired configurations molded onto said outer surface of said
hose.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said one or more die features
includes a convoluted die feature for providing a corresponding
convoluted configuration molded onto the outer surface of said
hose.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein said one or more die features
includes an informational indicia die feature for providing a
corresponding informational indicia configuration molded onto the
outer surface of said hose.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein said one or more die features
includes a uniform groove extending circumferentially around said
first cavity and said second cavity for providing a corresponding
outwardly extending bead feature molded onto said outer surface at
one or both ends of said hose.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said mold apparatus includes a
circumferentially, progressively outward extending configuration at
one or both ends of said first cavity and said second cavity for
providing a corresponding flared end at one or both ends of said
hose.
9. The method of claim 4 wherein said one or more die features
includes a circumferentially progressively inward extending
configuration at one or both ends of said first cavity and said
second cavity for providing a corresponding beveled or chamfered
end at one or both ends of said hose.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein said raw, non-reinforced tubular
structure comprises one or more layers of polymeric material.
11. A method of manufacturing a single or multi-layer, cured,
non-reinforced hose exhibiting a convoluted structure molded onto
the outer surface of said cured, non-reinforced hose; informational
indicia molded onto the outer surface of said cured, non-reinforced
hose adjacent one or both ends of said cured, non-reinforced hose;
a first bead molded onto the outer surface of said cured,
non-reinforced hose and adjacent said first end thereof; and a
second bead molded onto the outer surface of said cured,
non-reinforced hose and adjacent said second end thereof, said
method comprising: providing a raw, non-reinforced polymeric
tubular structure having an outer surface, an inner surface
defining the interior of said raw, non-reinforced tubular
structure, an orifice, and a cylindrical channel extending
longitudinally throughout the raw tubular structure defining said
inner surface of said raw polymeric tubular structure; providing a
two-piece mold apparatus having a first upper half exhibiting a
first cavity configuration corresponding to an upper wall structure
of said cured, non-reinforced hose, and a second lower half
exhibiting a second cavity configuration corresponding to a lower
wall structure of said cured, non-reinforced hose, said first half
and second half of said mold apparatus being aligned such that the
cavity configuration of said mold apparatus conforms to a desired
configuration of said cured, non-reinforced hose;. inserting said
raw polymeric tubular structure into said cavity configuration of
said mold apparatus; inserting a first plug means having an
aperture therethrough into a first end of said raw polymeric
tubular structure; inserting a second plug means having an aperture
therethrough into a second end of said raw polymeric tubular
structure; providing a source of steam under elevated pressure to
said interior of said uncured, non-reinforced tubular structure to
form and cure said raw polymeric tubular structure, wherein said
first plug means having an aperture therethrough serves as an inlet
for said steam and said second plug having an aperture therethrough
serves as an outlet for said steam; heating said mold apparatus at
a closing force of about 10 to 30 tons and at a temperature of
about 250 to 350.degree. F. for about 3 to 10 minutes; and
recovering a cured, non-reinforced hose having an inner surface and
an outer surface, wherein said outer surface exhibits a convoluted
structure molded onto the outer surface of said cured,
non-reinforced hose; informational indicia molded onto the outer
surface of said cured, non-reinforced hose adjacent one or both
ends of said cured, non-reinforced hose; a first bead molded onto
the outer surface of said cured, non-reinforced hose and adjacent
said first end thereof; and a second bead molded onto the outer
surface of said cured, non-reinforced hose.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said informational indicia
comprises words, logo, numbers and codes.
13. A cured, non-reinforced hose having an inner surface and an
outer surface comprising a polymeric material selected from the
group consisting of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF),
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene-perfluoroethylene
copolymer (EFEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE),
vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FMK),
tetrafluorethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride
terpolymer (THV), blends of
tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride
terpolymer and vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer,
styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber,
ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber,
polyesters, polyamideschlorinated polyethylene, nitrile-butadiene
rubber, hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene rubber, ethylene-vinyl
acetate, epichlorohydrin, nitrile-butadiene rubber-polyvinyl
chloride and polychloroprene, said cured, non-reinforced hose
exhibiting convolutes molded onto said outer surface of said hose,
and one or more desirable external features selected from the group
consisting of informational indicia molded onto the outer surface
of said cured, non-reinforced hose adjacent one or both ends of
said cured, non-reinforced hose; a first bead molded onto the outer
surface of said cured, non-reinforced hose and adjacent said first
end thereof; and a second bead molded onto the outer surface of
said cured, non-reinforced hose and adjacent said second end
thereof.
14. The hose of claim 13 wherein said cured, non-reinforced hose
comprises one or more layers of said polymeric material.
15. The hose of claim 14 wherein said cured, non-reinforced hose
comprises a single layer of said polymeric material.
16. The hose of claim 14 wherein said cured, non-reinforced hose
comprises two or more layers of said polymeric material.
17. The hose of claim 16 wherein said two or more layers of said
polymeric material are the same or different.
18. The hose of claim 13 further comprising an adhesive material
disposed between respective layers of said two or more layers of
polymeric material.
19. The hose of claim 13 further comprising additional additives
selected from the group consisting of carbon black, fillers,
processing aids, antioxidants, stabilizers, lubricants,
plasticizers, ant-blocking agents, pigments, extenders, and flame
retardants.
20. The hose of claim 13 further comprising a protective cover
formed from a synthetic elastomer selected from the group
consisting of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile-butadiene
rubber (NBR), chloroprene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene,
chlorosulfonated polyethylene, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide
rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and blends thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of forming and
curing hose and particularly, to a method of forming multi-layer,
non-reinforced hose which are useful in the automotive industry,
and to a hose produced by such method. The method, in accordance
with the invention, provides a hose having an outer surface
exhibiting one or more external features that are desirable in
automotive hoses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known in the art to manufacture flexible polymeric
hose for use in the automotive industry to convey fluids.
Typically, such hose is manufactured by placing a pre-cut length of
uncured hose onto a pre-heated mandrel, which is generally shaped
to provide the desired configuration of the hose. The mandrel is
then heated under conditions of heat and pressure to cure the hose.
When the hose is cured it substantially retains the general shape
of the mandrel. One such method is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,537,394. Producing such hoses on a mandrel is difficult and time
consuming due to the manual functions of installing the uncured
hose on the mandrel and then removing the hose from the mandrel
after curing. Furthermore, the removal of the cured hose frequently
causes damage to the cured hose and/or the mandrel resulting in
scrapping of the hose and, in some instances, replacement of the
mandrel, resulting in excessive manufacturing costs.
[0003] It is also known, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,420,
to manufacture flexible polymeric hose in a hose curing apparatus
having a pair of preformed, re-useable confining wall structures
defining a spiral groove in which the hose is placed and cured. The
disclosed method provides a cured hose having a uniform outside
surface. However, in the ever increasing complex world of
automotive technology where performance and space are critical, it
is highly desirable to provide fluid transporting hoses which are
not only capable of performing their required tasks, but which are
configured with one or more desirable features which heretofore
have been impossible to obtain using prior art methods of
manufacturing cured automotive hoses.
[0004] Thus, it is highly desirable to provide a flexible
automotive hose for use as fuel filler and radiator hoses which
contains convolutes, one or both end chamfered or flared and/or
informative indicia such as identifying marks and signs, e.g.,
designs, words, numerals, etc. at predetermined locations on the
outer surface of the hose
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a method for curing
multi-layer, non-reinforced hoses which are particularly useful in
automotive applications and to the cured, multi-layer,
non-reinforced hose manufactured in accordance with such method.
According to the present invention, raw or uncured hose is inserted
into a first half of a two-piece mold configured to the specific
pre-determined dimensions and configuration for the completed hose.
A plug is inserted into each end of the hose for the purpose of
forming and controlling the inner diameter of the hose. The plug is
provided with an orifice in each end of the plug as inlet and
outlet means for steam used in the curing of the hose. After the
plugs are inserted into the ends of the uncured hose and the hose
is inserted into the first half of the mold, the second half of the
mold is placed on the first half to begin the curing and forming
cycle. The mold containing the uncured hose is heated, for example,
in a press with heated platens that can be heated with either steam
or electricity or any other source of power. The typical
temperature of the mold is about 250 to 350.degree. F. and the
closing force of the pres is typically about 10 to 30 tons. A
typical cure is between about 3 and 10 minutes.
[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a simple and inexpensive method of manufacturing a
multi-layer, non-reinforced hose suitable for use in automotive
applications such as, for example, fuel filler hose and radiator
hose, wherein the hose exhibits one or more desirable
characteristic features molded onto the outer surface of the
hose.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method of manufacturing a multi-layer, non-reinforced hose having a
one or more convolute configurations molded onto the outer surface
of the hose at one or more predetermined locations.
[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a method of manufacturing a multi-layer, non-reinforced
hose having a chamfer or flair molded onto the outer surface of the
hose at one or both ends of the hose.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a method of manufacturing a multi-layer, non-reinforced hose having
desirable informative indicia such as words, e.g., "inlet" and/or
"outlet" molded into the outer surface of the hose.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a
multi-layer, non-reinforced automotive hose for use in automotive
applications such as fuel filler and radiator hoses, wherein the
hose exhibits one or more desirable characteristic features molded
onto the outer surface of the hose.
[0011] Other objects, advantages and applications of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the
following description of the invention is read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hose manufactured
according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the hose of FIG. 1 showing
convolutions along the length of the hose;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the hose of FIG. 1 showing
certain indicia molded into the outer surface of the hose;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the hose of FIG. 1 showing
the hose of FIG. 1 having one end of the hose being flared;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the hose of FIG. 1 showing
the hose of FIG. 1 having one end of the hose being beveled or
chamfered;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the hose of FIG. 1 showing
multiple beads on the outer surface of the hose;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a mold employed to
cure a hose having convolutes on the outer surface of the hose and
a flared end in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an end view of the mold of FIG. 7; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a hose and the
mold for forming the hose in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention describes a method of curing and
manufacturing a multi-layer, non-reinforced hose which is useful
for conveying liquids. The hose manufactured and cured in
accordance with the present invention is particularly useful in the
automotive industry as radiator hoses or fuel filler hoses. In
carrying out the present invention, a raw or uncured polymeric
tubular structure is inserted into a two-piece mold, each half of
the mold containing a preformed cavity disposed in one plane. The
configuration of each cavity is such that, when the two-piece mold
is detachably fastened together, the first and second cavities are
in an aligned relationship to define the shape and configuration of
the cured hose of this invention.
[0022] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawings, which
illustrates a raw or uncured tubular structure 10 having an outer
surface 12, an inner surface 14 and an orifice 16 extending along
the longitudinal axis X of the tubular structure. The raw or
uncured tubular structure is prepared by methods generally known in
the art, such as extrusion, to provide a raw or uncured tubular
structure. The raw or uncured tubular structure is then place into
a two-piece mold apparatus having a cavity structure exhibiting the
precise configuration of the desired cured, non-reinforced hose of
the present invention. The fastened mold structure is adapted to be
heated at elevated temperatures and pressures for a period of time
to satisfactorily cure the hose. Typically, the temperature of the
mold structure is about 250 to 350.degree. F. and the closing force
of the press is about 10 to 30 tons. The cure time for the hose in
accordance with the present invention is about 3 to 10 minutes,
depending on the compound formulation. Accordingly, the cure time
of the present method for curing a hose is notably more cost
effective than the cure time for prior art pinning processes which
require about 30 minutes to achieve effective cure of the hose.
[0023] In the manufacture of the hose of the present invention, the
mold controls the external configuration and features of the hose
which include, but are not limited to, convolutes; informative
indicia; flare(s), champfer(s) or bevel(s); and beads on the
surface of the cured hose. As shown in FIGS. 2-6, certain desired
configurations and characteristics of the cured hose are
illustrated. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary
embodiment of a cured hose of the present invention designated by
the numeral 20. The hose 20 includes an outer surface 22, an inner
surface 24, an orifice 26 extending along the longitudinal axis of
the hose 20 and several convolutes 28 formed circumferentially
around the hose 20. The convolutes 28 are formed as extensions of
the outer and inner surfaces 22 and 24, respectfully, of the hose
20 forming a series of visual peaks 111 and valleys 113 extending
circumferentially on the surface of the hose 20. Typically, but not
necessarily, each of the convolutes 28, i.e., the peak 111 and
valley 113, is equal in configuration and size to the other
convolutes present on the surface of the hose 20. Furthermore,
while it is generally preferred that the convolutes 28 are present
on the outer surface 22 of the hose 20 in a substantially equal
spaced apart relationship, such equal spaced apart relationship is
not required in every instance, depending upon the desired overall
shape and/or size of the hose. FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary
embodiment of the cured hose of the present invention which is
generally designated by the numeral 30 having an outer surface 32,
an inner surface 34 and an orifice 36 extending along the
longitudinal axis of the hose 30. At predetermined locations along
the outer surface 32 of the hose 30, informational indicia 115 such
as one or more logos, serial number, part number, date of
manufacture, words, e.g., "outlet" and "inlet", etc. are molded
into the outer surface 32 of the hose 30. FIG. 4 illustrates yet
another embodiment of the cured hose of the present invention which
is generally designated by the numeral 40 having an outer surface
42, an inner surface 44 and an orifice 46 extending along the
longitudinal axis of the hose 40. In this embodiment, the hose 40
is molded to exhibit a flared end 48 at one or both ends of the
hose 40. The flared end 48 exhibits a circumference having a
predetermined diameter which is relatively larger than the tubular
body of the hose 40. FIG. 5 illustrates still another embodiment of
the cured hose of the present invention which is generally
designated by the numeral 50 having an outer surface 52, an inner
surface 54 and an orifice 56 extending along the longitudinal axis
of the hose 50. In this embodiment, the hose 50 is molded to
exhibit a chamfered or beveled end 58 at one or both ends of the
hose 40. The chamfered or beveled end 58 exhibits a circumference
having a predetermined diameter which is relatively smaller than
the tubular body of the hose 50. FIG. 6 illustrates another
embodiment of the cured, non-reinforced hose of the present
invention which is generally designated by the numeral 60 having an
outer surface 62, an inner surface 64 and an orifice 66 extending
along the longitudinal axis of the hose 60. At predetermined
locations along the outer surface 62 of the hose 60, there is
provided one or more beads molded onto the outer surface 62 of the
hose 60. The one or more beads extend circumferentially around the
outer surface 62 of the hose 60. The one or more beads 68 aid in
sealing the hose to a corresponding connecter means when the hose
is assembled for its intended use.
[0024] As described above, the molding apparatus controls the
external characteristics and features of the cured hose by curing
the raw or uncured hose in a preformed die comprising a first upper
half and a second lower half. As described and further shown in
FIGS. 7-9, each of the halves contains a cavity, the cavity in the
first or upper half of the mold corresponds to the upper half of
the outer wall structure of the hose and the cavity in the second
or lower half of the mold corresponds to the upper half of the
outer wall structure of the hose. The cavities can be envisioned as
exhibiting the outer surface of a hose which is equally separated
in a horizontal plane to provide a first upper half and a second
lower half which, when aligned, exhibits the desired shape and size
of the outer surface of the cured hose. The apparatus mold also
includes any of the features, formations or characteristics which
are desired on the outer surface of the cured hose. As seen in
FIGS. 7-9, a molding apparatus is designated by the numeral 70. The
molding apparatus 70 comprises a first or lower mold structure 71
which has a cavity 72 therein defining a corresponding first wall
73 of a substantially semicircular cross-sectional configuration
throughout the general longitudinal length of the cavity 72. The
mold apparatus 70 also comprises a second or upper mold structure
74 which has a cavity 75 therein defining a corresponding second
wall 76 of a substantially semicircular cross-sectional
configuration throughout the general longitudinal length of the
cavity 75.
[0025] The present method of manufacturing a cured hose uses a mold
apparatus heated with steam or electricity to cure and form a raw
tubular structure into the shape of a receiving cavity in the mold
structure. According to the invention, a raw tubular structure is
inserted into a two-piece mold structure. A first plug 115 having
an orifice 116 therethrough is inserted into a first end of the raw
tubular structure and a second plug 117 having an orifice 118
therethrough is inserted into a second end of the tubular
structure. The plugs provide an inlet and outlet for steam under
pressure. After the plugs are inserted into the tubular structure,
the upper half of the mold apparatus and secured in place by
securing means is placed ion the lower half of the mold apparatus.
The mold is then heated to a temperature of about 250 to
350.degree. F. and an elevated pressure sufficient to form and cure
the hose having a configuration corresponding to the aligned
cavities of the mold structure. The closing force of the press is
typically about 10 to 30 tons. The cure time in a mold apparatus
with steam at the operational conditions of heat and pressure is
typically about 3 to 10 minutes and more typically about 4 to 6
minutes. A cure time of about 5 minutes has been found to provide a
suitably cured and formed hose.
[0026] The raw tubular structure used to form the hose of the
present invention can be provided by any of the methods commonly
used in the art to form such tubular structures. For example, the
tubular structure may be extruded or it may be built-up on a
mandrel.
[0027] The hose of the present invention is a cured, non-reinforced
hose. The absence of reinforcement allows the hose to be easily
configured, and thereby provide the desired external
characteristics on the outer surface of the hose. Such external
characteristics are unobtainable with a reinforced hose because of
the inflexibility of the reinforcement. The cured hose of the
invention may comprise a single layer or multiple layers, depending
on the desired use of the hose. The material used to form a single
layer raw tubular structure and the eventual cured hose is
determined by the desired application of the cured hose. Typically,
the hose is used in industrial applications, particularly, in the
automotive industry to convey fluids. Such hoses are especially
useful as fuel filler or radiator hoses.
[0028] The cured, non-reinforced hose of the invention is a single
layer hose or the hose may be formed from multiple layers,
depending on the desired application of the hose. Where the cured,
non-reinforced hose is a multiple layer hose, the various layers
may be the same or they may differ. Typically, the hose is useful
in the automotive industry to convey various liquids. Preferably,
the hose is employed as a radiator hose or a fuel filler hose.
[0029] The material used in the manufacture of the hose of the
present invention is any of the polymeric materials commonly used
in the manufacture of automotive hoses, such as radiator hoses and
fuel filler hoses. Typically, the material is a fluorine-containing
polymer such as a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer or
quadpolymer, or blends thereof. Examples of such polymers include
polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
ethylene-perfluoroethylene copolymer (EFEP),
ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), vinylidene
fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FKM),
tetrafluorethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride
terpolymer (THV), blends of
tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride
terpolymers and vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymers
such as those described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,203,873 and 6,365,250, or other elastomeric polymers, such as
styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR),
ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), ethylene-propylene rubber
(EPR), polyesters such as polyterephthalate, polynaphthalate, etc.,
polyamides such as nylons, e.g., nylon 4, nylon 6, nylon 11, nylon
12, nylon 66, nylon 610, etc., chlorinated polyethylene (CPE),
nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile-butaddiene
rubber (HNBR), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), epichlorohydrin (ECO),
nitrile-butadiene rubber-polyvinyl chloride (NBR-PVC),
polychloroprene (CR) and the like.
[0030] As indicated above, the cured, non-reinforced hose of the
present invention is a single layer hose or a multi-layer hose. In
those applications where a hose having multiple layers is
preferred, the material used to form the multiple layers of the
hose can be the same or different, depending on the specific
requirements of the hose. In addition to the various polymeric
layers comprising the wall structure of the hose, it may be
desirable to provide a protective cover around the outer surface of
the hose. Typically, the protective cover is a synthetic elastomer
selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene rubber
(SBR), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), chloroprene rubber,
chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene,
epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide rubber, polyvinyl chloride, etc
including blends thereof.
[0031] It may be desirable and even necessary in certain instances
where the various layers are of a different composition or if the
various layers are incompatible, to provide an additional layer
such as an adhesive which is compatible with both layers, between
such incompatible layers. Such additional adhesive layers are well
known in the art.
[0032] Certain additives may be added to the polymeric material to
provide desirable characteristics to the hose. For example, carbon
black in any of its various forms may be added to the innermost
layer of the hose to provide electrostatic dissipation,
particularly in applications involving transportation of
hydrocarbon fuels. Other additives include, but are not limited to,
fillers, processing aids, antioxidants, stabilizers, lubricants,
plasticizers, ant-blocking agents, pigments, extenders, flame
retardants, and other additives known in the art of hose
manufacture.
[0033] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that
changes may be made to the above-described embodiments of the
invention without departing from the broad inventive concepts
described herein. It is understood, therefore, that this invention
is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is
intended to cover all modifications which are within the scope and
spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *